An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What an emergency lighting inspection form is
An emergency lighting inspection form is used to record the routine functional checks of emergency luminaires and illuminated exit signs, confirming they operate when the normal supply is interrupted and illuminate escape routes.
This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, and the routine checks it describes sit alongside the more detailed periodic tests usually carried out by a competent person.
Purpose
- Confirm emergency luminaires and exit signs are present and undamaged.
- Check that fittings operate on test and illuminate as intended.
- Record that the routine functional check was carried out.
- Flag fittings that fail and need repair or replacement.
Who completes it
- A responsible person appointed by the employer for routine checks.
- A competent person for the more detailed periodic and duration tests.
- Failures are reported so repairs can be arranged.
- The employer decides who carries out checks and tests.
When it is used
- On a regular cycle set by the employer for short functional checks.
- After alterations to the lighting, layout or escape routes.
- Alongside, but separate from, the longer periodic duration test.
Typical fields
- Fitting ID or location, type and date.
- Present, undamaged and not obstructed.
- Operates on test and illuminates as intended.
- Exit signage visible and legible.
- Failures found and action taken, with sign-off.
- Example items only — adapt to the system installed.
Common mistakes
- Skipping fittings or testing only the easy-to-reach ones.
- Confusing a short functional check with a full duration test.
- Leaving failed fittings unrepaired.
- Obstructing or covering luminaires and exit signs.
Document workflow
Routine emergency lighting checks support the fire safety arrangements that flow from the fire risk assessment, and they sit alongside the periodic test records. A failed fitting triggers a repair; changes to escape routes may require a review of the lighting and the assessment.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after an emergency lighting check.
Retention (high level)
Check and test records are typically retained for a period defined by the employer and any applicable rules, often in a log book. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Checks and tests are commonly recorded in a log and stored as PDFs. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Decide who carries out routine checks and arrange competent periodic tests.
- Keep luminaires and exit signs unobstructed and undamaged.
- Repair failures promptly and re-check.
- Keep the emergency lighting log up to date.
Worker notes
- Do not obstruct or cover emergency lights or exit signs.
- Report a damaged or non-working fitting.
- Know your escape routes and where the signs lead.
Country considerations
Requirements for emergency lighting, testing and record-keeping vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for fire safety arrangements, emergency lighting, testing and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not replace competent testing and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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